Lisa Cole is an award-winning writer/director whose work is shaped by living with 201 host families across 12 countries. Her global perspective is evident in her 2024 Oscar-Shortlisted short film, "Bienvenidos a Los Angeles," inspired by a true immigration story and screened at over 70 festivals. Winner of the Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase, sponsored by Viola Davis, the film is streaming on Kanopy and other platforms.
Lisa specializes in adapting true stories exploring gender, neglect, and redemption. Current projects include "Diamond Girls," a feature film with Selena Gomez and producer Laura Bickford, and "Filthy," a Sundance Development Lab Finalist and recipient of the 2025 Alliance for Women Directors Rising Director Fellowship. Her portfolio includes documentaries for Viacom, A&E, & BET, and films for The Gates Foundation and Sundance Institute, focusing on women's health and safety in Kenya and DR Congo.
A fellow with Final Draft/Stowe Story Labs, Women in Film, Athena Lab, and Cine Qua Non, Lisa's work has gained support from Cinetic Media and Endeavor Content. She's collaborated with Jean-Marc Vallee, Laura Dern, Demi Moore, Lily Rabe, Shailene Woodley, and Catherine Hardwicke. A Loyola Marymount University graduate, Lisa serves on the board of the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two children and five pets. Yes, five.